“Merchant of Venice” is a manifestation of gender discrimination prevailing at that time. It clearly refer to sexism that is not only inclined toward male chauvinism but also a degraded social status of women in the contemporary society. All the major female characters of the play epitomize this gender discrimination and manifest female victimization. These characters represent different classes and illustrate that gender discrimination and maltreatment of women were not subjected to social class as it prevalent from rascals to royals. But Shakespeare also illustrates the wisdom and individual qualities of his female characters. Shakespeare’s characterization of females in “Merchant of Venice” is paradoxical as it challenges as well as complements the contemporary social traditions and norms.
Shakespeare has endowed Portia with nobility of soul and beauty of heart and mind, along with physical beauty. She is an ideal woman, the embodiment of the very essence of womanhood. She is dutiful, loving and self-effacing as a perfect woman should be. Despite all these qualities, Portia remains passive in the domestic and emotional domain. She has no identity of her own and all her domestic and amorous matters are directed by her father. His father endeavors to fashion the life and attitude of Portia according to his own wishes. He considers his desires as her desires and tries to tailor her approach by various means. She obeys the will of her dead father, and does not violate, even a little, any of the conditions of the lottery of the caskets. Though it is hard on her that she should have no freedom in the choice of her husband, yet, like a dutiful daughter, she obeys his wish and acts accordingly. She loves Bossanio, but still gives him no hint regarding the right casket. She loves him but her maidenly modesty prevents her from expressing that love frankly, she speaks hesitatingly, contradicts herself, and thus reveals her heart with all reserve and restraint becoming in a maiden. In this respect, her conduct is in sharp contrast with that of Jessica, and she shines much brighter as a result of this contrast.
Despite this male chauvinism and conformity to Elizabethan social norms, the women in “Merchant of Venice” have been given clear-thinking minds. They are frank, impulsive and practical in their thoughts and behavior. Portia is rich in witty and eloquent discourse, is frank and simple in thought. She is never deceived by their own eloquence and never forget the ends they have to achieve. Portia eloquence and wit can be best demonstrated by these lines;
The quality of mercy is not strain’d. /It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven/Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: / It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. (Act IV Scene 1)
When Antonio’s life has got to be saved, it is Portia who rises to the occasion, displays marvelous resourcefulness, energy, determination and practical ability, while her Lord and Master can do nothing but stand helpless and talk. She arranges all the necessary details with an almost masculine self-confidence and practical commonsense. She conducts the case with perfect ability and ease. All take her to be a clever lawyer. She leaves Shylock no loophole for escape and uses he trump card only when he has shown himself entirely merciless and brutal.
Jessica also plays an important role in the drama. She helps in the progress of story. But her role is in stark contrast to that of Portia’s. She is in a sense a foil to Portia. She is undutiful and treacherous towards her father, killed him by stabbing him on his back, while Portia is a dutiful daughter who obeys the wishes of her father to the very latter. In the conduct of her love affair, Jessica is bold and forward, indiscreet and unmaidenly. It is she who proposes the elopement, and arranges for it. Portia’s conduct towards Bossanio, on the other hand, is right and proper, such as is desirable in a maiden. Jessica’s home was like a “hell” to her, where she is denied of all freedom and all pleasure. Life in such a home would be intolerable for any one, and so Jessica may be excused if she revolts and elopes with Lorenzo whom she truly loves. So women characters are an epitome of traditional feminist expressions of the age that require chastity, compliance and acceptance of male dominancy from women. Additionally Shakespeare further induced a spirit of individuality in them by inculcating certain behavioural competencies and habitual formations in them i.e. intelligence, witticism, frankness and a passion to move ahead in life. Furthermore, women are portrayed with glowing colors and not negative terminology or abuses are attributed to them.
References
Shakespeare, William. Merchant of Venice. Penguin: New York. 2002.
The Awakening By Kate Chopin Annotated Bibliography Short Summary
1.) Chastain, Emma. Literature. New York: Spark Publishing, 2004.
This book is a collection of a simple narratives regarding variety of stories which is known in the diligence of literature. In the section specifically designated for the written work of Kate Chopin “The Awakening” a short summary with regards to the book is provided thus making the reader understand some points in order to relate to the themes which is discussed in the book. In addition, there is a short narration of the life of Kate Chopin which creates a background for the readers. The conditions and environment of the author makes the readers understand the reason for the literary work of any author. In addition to this, key facts, feminist perspective, symbolisms, themes, characters and their backgrounds, as well as the most important quotations found in the whole novel. All these are provided in less than 10 pages of this book thus; helping students in full understanding the novel in various perspectives in a concise manner. This compilation of specific highlighted parts of the novel makes it readers understand that feminism is the main theme of the story.
2.) Chopin, Kate, and Sandra M. Gilbert. The Awakening and selected Stories. New York: Penguin Group, 1984.
This volume is the mixture of the written work of Kate Chopin and the perspective of Sandra Gilbert who have written the introduction. The introduction is very conducive for those that desire to discover the history of the very controversial novel “The Awakening” which had started as a poem called “The Haunted Chamber” which was first published to the society before the novel was launched. The poem’s theme leads to the concept of the rights of women in different aspects of life. However, the theme of both literatures pertains to the sexual awakening of women which is very much a taboo during those times. In addition to this, the novel was not closely seen as a master piece or even an artwork thus a critic stated that, “The novel leaves one sick of human nature”, while other stated that “it is not a healthy book” (Chopin and Gilbert 8). Thus, many authors disgust the writing of Chopin neglecting the beauty which is appreciated by many people during the current era. The scandalous statements in the story covered the beauty of the writing which Chopin had made. Due to the ravaging statements provided by reviews the moral of Chopin went down and lost her confidence. Moreover, the whole introductory part pertains to the personal life of Chopin as a wife, and a writer.
3.) Chopin, Kate. “The Awakening: The Electronic Edition.” 1998. Documenting the American South University of South Carolina. 31 March 2009 <http://docsouth.unc.edu/southlit/chopinawake/chopin.html>.
This website provides the specific novel which could also be read in the book. For readers who are interested in reading the book without buying it. The text is the same with those that were found in the book for the reason that the website also added page numbers in order to guide the readers to seek their page numbers even without owning a book. This electronic copy if very useful for those that have laptops or wireless lan connected to their mobile phones. Through accessing such websites, the written work of Kate Chopin is evidently read by individuals who are on the go and on a low budget.
4.) Chopin, Kate, Nina Baym, and Alyssa Harad. The Awakening and Selected Stories of KateChopin. United States: Pocket Books, 2004.
The introduction of the book provides the readers a significant background in order to prepare the readers for the important parts of the book. The introductory part highlights the important aspects which first time Chopin readers must be able to understand. In the following parts, Chopin’s life is chronologically from the time she began to be an author until her death. The author’s personal life is also included in the book which makes the readers understand the main ideas of the author for writing the story. Accordingly, the era of the author is fully understood, therefore developing an imagination for the readers which are set during those times. Further more, the book provides significant events which entangle the book in different historical events which makes it more significant in seeking the societal situation of the earlier American nation.
The book presents the key theme of the story and points of the plot which assists the readers create their own interpretation of the symbolisms, the scenes of the story, the society, the environment and the likes during those era. Besides such information, detailed explanations are provided which immediately clarifies different points in the book. In addition to this, critical analysis for various contemporary literature authors are provided thus, the readers sees a different perspective other than the previous writers. More importantly, this book suggests varying sources that would enhance the readers’ interest and experience. Such sources are other books, films and the likes.
5.) “The Awakening.” 1 April 2009. KateChopin.org. 1 April 2009 <http://www.katechopin.org/the-awakening.shtml>.
The website provides different facts regarding Kate Chopin’s written works. The organization had made a link which is designated only for all the concerns regarding the novel Awakening. Any one who is interested in the unknown facts of the novel would be able to read variety of information regarding the story and the controversies which Chopin had to face due to women issues she raised. Most of those issues were inappropriate for the perspective of people therefore, her literary career lead to a downfall. Although after her death, her works were revitalized and appreciated most especially the feminists’ organizations and advocates who admire her courage and openness to such topics. Thus supporting the publishing and launching of the book and her other works. The facts provided includes a question and answer section which focuses on the factual portions of publishing of the book as well as the different themes of the book. Additional related sources are provided for those who are interested in further readings.
6.) Madsen, Deborah L. Feminist theory and literary practice. Virginia: Pluto Press, 2000.
This book focuses on the concepts of feminism in literary works. Since the novel highlights the needs of women and women’s rights, the information provided in this source enhances the information and the novel’s attachment to feminism. Through feminism the understanding of women’s needs in various aspects most especially sexual desires. The book focuses that maternity is much stronger than the duties of paternity thus exploring different psychological development of the character which is also explored in the novel. The character Edna Pontellier is said to have enacted the feminine version of oedipal crisis where in the character is “caught between imaginary and symbolic orders, she rejects her patriarchal gender identity but she is unable to embrace the feminine except in death” (Madsen, 108). Accordingly, the concepts utilized are a combination between lyricism and realism while developing the main character’s emotions and perspectives. One example is the symbolism of the sea, the music, her eating sleeping and the likes are all relevant in building the personality of the main character. In the end, the spotlight of this book is a psychological analysis on the character as well as the narration of Chopin. Through
Works Cited
Chastain, Emma. Literature. New York: Spark Publishing, 2004.
Chopin, Kate, and Sandra M. Gilbert. The Awakening and selected Stories. New York: Penguin Group, 1984.
Chopin, Kate. “The Awakening: The Electronic Edition.” 1998. Documenting the American South University of South Carolina. 31 March 2009 <http://docsouth.unc.edu/southlit/chopinawake/chopin.html>.
Chopin, Kate, Nina Baym, and Alyssa Harad. The Awakening and Selected Stories of KateChopin. United States: Pocket Books, 2004.
“The Awakening.” 1 April 2009. KateChopin.org. 1 April 2009 <http://www.katechopin.org/the-awakening.shtml>.
Madsen, Deborah L. Feminist theory and literary practice. Virginia: Pluto Press, 2000.
Themes In Global History Since 1500 C.E
Industrial Revolution and Class Conflict were experienced during the period of late18th century and early 19th century by Western countries. They contributed to great changes in economic and social aspects as a result of main changes in manufacturing, agriculture, transport and elimination of the oppression of some Social Classes. These changes have had an insightful effect to the socio-economic and cultural conditions in different countries such as Britain among other Western nations. Industrial Revolution brought about changes that consequently spread out to North America, Europe and finally to all parts in the world. Class conflict was also referred to as class warfare or class war which affected people of West. Class conflict has been weakened by the developing affluence among the Western countries.[1]
Relationship between Industrial Revolution and Class Conflict
Class conflict was a friction that came along with social relationship between different Social Classes with rivalry that existed in the West society. Western people had different tradition and culture that contributed to class conflict but this was wiped away by Industrial Revolution and elimination of class conflict. There were conflicts of interest among different Social Classes in the West. Like Industrial Revolution, Class Conflict played a great role in history of Social Class among the Western societies. Classes like feudalism and capitalism existed leading to social conflict which economically and socially affected people of the West. Class conflict can be felt through direct violence like wars, indirect violence like death as a result of poverty and cheap labor. people died from unsafe working conditions like coercion.[2]
Commencement of Industrial Revolution marked the main revolving position in human civilization because it definitely influenced every aspect of life. There was a transition in the late 1700s in Great Britain in the economy based on manual labor towards use of machine in manufacturing due to advancement in technology. Mechanization of textile industries, growth in techniques of iron making and better use of more advanced coal marked the start of Industrial Revolution. There was expansion in trade enabling invention of canals with better railways and roads. During 19th century, the effect of Industrial Revolution spread out to North America and Western Europe eventually impacting most parts of the world with an enormous change. First Industrial Revolution combined with Second Industrial Revolution in 1980s due to economic and technological advancement. This led to invention of steam powered ship with generation of electric power and internal combustion of engine. During Industrial Revolution, there was a stable GDP per capita with emergency of modern capitalistic economy. Industrial Revolution was the most significant period in history with most important inventions originating from the ern World mainly United States and Europe.[3]
Class Conflict and Industrial Revolution had an outstanding contribution to the historiography of English. They both represent the continuation and they brought a difference to the remarkable traditions in social history that was mostly in ern especially Britain. Industrial Revolution came about with outgrowth of institutional and social changes that wiped out feudalism after English War. The heart of Industrial Revolution was technological innovation that necessitated improvement of almost every aspect. In the industrial and capitalistic society, there was a class conflict between the bourgeoisie and proletariat. Societies were divided into classes and the struggle among them was an engine for their change. Class conflict in Western society structure had no deviational or functional class elements that maintained the system. Society structure was derivative and a component of the conflict class. Society among the Western people was divided into three Social Classes; the bourgeoisie, landowners and proletariat. Social Classes were determined by property but not income status.[4]
The funding of inadequate monopolies by the government was an influential factor toward Industrial Revolution. In countries like Europe, Industrial Revolution was as a result of technological advancement and innovation. Agricultural improvement as a result of Industrial Revolution led to increase in food supply and raw materials and change in industrial structure. Innovation of new technology led to increased agricultural production, profits and effectiveness with increased foreign and domestic commerce. All the activities that facilitated Industrial Revolution were interrelated. Agriculture played and occupied a greater position in the process because it offered food and raw materials for population and industries respectively. Industrial Revolution not only had an impact on the economic and social aspects but also on human aspects which was marked by increase in population. This was as a result of abate in deaths rate and increase in birth rate. There was also abolition of deadly diseases and increased food availability. Class conflict being the struggle between working classes, laboring and bourgeoisie it had a great impact to people’s lives. [5]
Capitalists exploited the proletariat for the profit forcing people’s lives into horrible conditions and poverty. According to Marx, proletariats were able to overthrow capitalist system and replaced it with communist in which workers will have control. Class conflict was traditional reformation of socialism with Trades Unions and Labor Party. In Britain, conflict between traditional classes was described as conflict between Labor Party and Conservative Party. Labor Party fought for the rights of the workers which were supported by the working class while conservatives supported middle classes. Class conflict made the working class economically better. People of all classes were given authority to purchase council houses and own shares. There was creation of employment opportunities for the middle class after decline of the traditional industries. Greater percentage of population was employed in the manual sector. Class conflict was restrained but not as a result of growing effluence. Capitalist overthrew proletariat improving working conditions for the worker. They converted some worker to middle class and succeeded in pushing many workers out of capitalistic system completely. Self help and classical liberation had a greater responsibility in improving people’s welfare.[6]
There was incredible ideological clash with socialism whereby people wanted to campaign for better status but they were unable to achieve. Termination of Cold war and collapse of the USSR by the end of 1980s weakened class conflict. Western powers had already defeated socialism prompting people to declare the “End of History.” Class conflict came to an end and new social-democratic and liberal consensus emerged. Emergency of new labor marked the end of Class Conflict with those who campaigned for labor government having a feeling of great achievement. In United States, Industrial Revolution had greater significance to economic development increasing America’s growth. The second Industrial Revolution really changed economy and American society to be a modern urban-industrial state. Passing of the Embargo Act in 1807 and War of 1812 truly marks the real drive for America. The war between America and Britain proved that America was in need of more economic independence and better transportation system. Industrial Revolution brought bout industrialization in America which involved expansion of transport, connection of electricity, improvement of refining process and increasing production.[7]
Class conflict is far from termination as many have believed because traditional leaders still dominate and influence our system. Causes of class conflict are still there but silenced by the traditional leaders. Middle class people are unwilling in speaking out. The new acquired standards for the middle working class, there is need for maintaining capitalistic system. The theory of Marx of capitalistic cycle still exists even today. Even in early 20th century, there was development in labor movement like economic explosion and constancy. If economy breaks again then the history will go back to where it was. There is also slow erosion of traditional elites through policies such as devolution with reformation of Lords house due to people differences and culture. Another occurrence of changes that may result to collapse of the economy would result to class conflict again.[8]
Even in today’s society class conflict exists, this can be termed as the war between “haves and have-nots.” Industrial Revolution is a nodal point that had a quantitative and qualitative change to the political and economic systems that no longer satisfied people’s needs but changed offering them with new conditions. As a result of both Industrial Revolution and Class conflict, there was change of slavery to feudalism and feudalism to capitalism then capitalism to communism in Western society. Economic class was characterized by the mean of production related with Social Class characterizing capitalism society of bourgeoisie and proletariat also known as working class and capitalist. People of the Western lived their lives anticipating for stability and peace in their society. Industrial Revolution created new expectation to the people of West changing their culture, tradition and beliefs.[9]
Conclusion
People of West had social and economic aspects that shaped their lives together with their traditions and cultures. All these were changed by Industrial Revolution and abating of Class Conflict. Before 18th century, people of West suffered from class conflict which is the case even today. This problem was half-way solved by Industrial Revolution which changed slavery to feudalism, feudalism to capitalism and capitalism to communism giving workers the mandate to have a say. Industrial Revolution affected the whole of Western countries; it was not a government policy but this represented a transition from early modern history to modernity which arrested most economic and social problem. There was integration and rationalism of economic, cultural and social life of West people bringing forth significant benefits during that era.
Bibliography
Harvey, John, “Class struggle and the Industrial Revolution: early industrial capitalism in three English towns,” Journal of historical geography, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1975, pp. 109-111
Hunt, Lynn, making of the: Peoples and Culture, (2nd Ed.), Boston: Bedford St. Martins, 1560
Mantoux, Philip, the Industrial Revolution in the Eighteenth Century, London: Metheun, 1961
[1]J. Harvey, “Class struggle and the Industrial Revolution: early industrial capitalism in three English towns,” Journal of historical geography, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1975, pp. 109-111
[2] P. Mantoux, the Industrial Revolution in the Eighteenth Century, London: Metheun, 1961
[3] J. Harvey, “Class struggle and the Industrial Revolution: early industrial capitalism in three English towns,” Journal of historical geography, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1975, pp. 109-111
[4] L. Hunt, making of the : Peoples and Culture, (2nd Ed.), Boston: Bedford St. Martins, 1560
[5] P. Mantoux, the Industrial Revolution in the Eighteenth Century, London: Metheun, 1961
[6] L. Hunt, making of the : Peoples and Culture, (2nd Ed.), Boston: Bedford St. Martins, 1560
[7] P. Mantoux, the Industrial Revolution in the Eighteenth Century, London: Metheun, 1961
[8] J. Harvey, “Class struggle and the Industrial Revolution: early industrial capitalism in three English towns,” Journal of historical geography, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1975, pp. 109-111
[9] J. Harvey, “Class struggle and the Industrial Revolution: early industrial capitalism in three English towns,” Journal of historical geography, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1975, pp. 109-111